AROUND half a million people descended on Hartlepool this weekend, to see the impressive Tall Ships berthed in the town.

In every direction towering wooden masts, festooned with flags of every size, colour and nation could be seen at Hartlepool Marina.

And people from all around the country, young and old, were out to have a look at the 59 spectacular ships that were docked.

In what Hartlepool mayor Stuart Drummond has hailed a fantastic success, an estimated half a million strolled around the site to view the magnificent ships, and some even climbed aboard to get a closer look.

Phil Tobin took his partner and three kids to the event. The 33-year-old civil servant said: Its a great day out. The kids love seeing the boats and theres loads to do.

Mary Bolton, 70, from Filey, North Yorkshire, was visiting the event with husband Brian, 73.

She said: We love sailing so we were very interested in seeing the ships. I love the atmosphere here and the ships are fantastic.

Brian added: Weve never been to a Tall Ships Race before but Im really impressed.

The occasional shower on Saturday did little to deter the crowds from gathering at the launch.

At the opening ceremony, Mr Drummond said: Its exactly 1,500 days ago that we were awarded the chance to host the Tall Ships Races. Since then there has been thousands of hours of blood, sweat and tears put into organising this event, and its fantastic seeing it come together at last.

Luckily the sun came out yesterday just in time for the crew marching parade at 3pm.

Beating drums, blowing whistles and in costumes which included pirates and penguins, crews of the ships marched to the sound of the crowds cheers and claps.

And at 5pm a prize-giving ceremony was held, hosted by Mr Drummond and Tall Ships chairman Knut Western for the teams who won the race. They were: in Class A the Norwegian Christian Radich, in Class B the Netherlands Tecla, in Class C the Polish Dar Szczecina, and in Class D the Polish Endorfina.

Stunning firework displays marked the end of each day, and music-lovers were overloaded with a selection of performers.

On Saturday folk music was played on the main stage, and Thornaby-based band Cattle and Cane dazzled the crowds, while yesterday saw music from Ocean Colour Scene, Duke Special and Goldheart Assembly.

Cleveland Police have reported only two arrests were made all weekend in relation to the Tall Ships event - both for offences of drunk and disorderly on Church Street in the town.

Chief Inspector Mick Williams said: The Tall Ships has been a fantastic event so far. We have had more visitors than predicted and our officers have enjoyed engaging with people and being part of such a prestigious event.